Jim and I sat with Mom for the last couple hours of her life last night.
Before sunrise on Wednesday, I had awoken from a powerful dream, in which the vibrant, out-going Mom whom I haven’t seen in several years was holding everyone’s attention at a party with her three brother and other family and friends.
Later that morning, when I visited her at St. Catherine Labouré Manor, I found her in her recliner in the sunny hallway outside her room, her head pillowed against the hand rail since she could no longer sit up straight. As often happened, when she awoke and saw me, she lit up.
I told her briefly about the dream, and she smiled and nodded. We sat for a while. Once I saw that she was drifting off to sleep again, I said, “I love you.” She mouthed the words back to me.
Last night, the nurse phoned us to say that Mom had labored breathing and very low blood oxygen. We sat with her as her breaths became slower and shallower, until she stopped breathing around 10:17 PM.
We are grateful for the time and love she has given so many of us.
1924 – 2011
And so it is.
Blessèd Be,
Michael
9 comments
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January 15, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Cat C-B
I hope there will one day be a chance for you to introduce me to your mother, Michael… one warm, bright day in the Summerlands.
May we meet, and know, and love one another again. Blessed be.
January 15, 2011 at 9:41 pm
friendrosemary
Thank you for sharing these experiences with us. Your writings about your mother are helping me as my father starts his cancer treatment.
Rosemary
January 17, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Elaine McCreary
I was blessed to be able to hold my mother’s hand when she died. It may take a while but that memory eventually becomes a great joy.
God bless
Elaine
January 18, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Robin
We’ve never met but your blog has spoken to my condition on many occasions.
January 18, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Robin
Hmm. The “silent hug” part of my previous comment got stripped off. I guess this site doesn’t like my angular brackets.
January 19, 2011 at 12:55 am
MartiM
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I’m glad you were there for her.
January 24, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Michael
Thank you, all, for your thoughts.
Michael
January 25, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Diana
my deepest sympathies. Thank you for sharing your experience.
October 12, 2011 at 9:50 pm
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